25 Self Care Ideas

Self care.  It’s something we seem to hear a lot about these days.  And for me, when someone mentions self care my mind goes to massages and “me time” – both of which don’t make it on my to do list frequently at all.  I’ve come to associate self care with another things I need to do, that’s going to suck up my valuable time and cost me money.  What I’ve learned is that self care isn’t just something I need to do, I’ve got to do it.  I’ve got to take better care of myself so I can keep taking care of others.  And it doesn’t have to be an expensive massage, a day of quiet meditation, or something else I wouldn’t normally do.  These self care ideas might sound simple – but that’s the point! Self care doesn’t have to be hard.  Or uncomfortable.  Or expensive.  It should be something you enjoy doing.  Check out the list below and leave a comment to let me know how you’re making time to take care of yourself.  

1. Sleep.  Don’t roll your eyes at me just yet.  Are you scrolling through your phone reading this before you fall asleep?  I’m sure you’re exhausted.  I am most days.  It’s a lot to juggle being a mom and working full time, let alone everything else we need to get done during the day.  Do a kid swap with one of your friends.  She can host a sleepover this Friday night and you host one next week.  Use your time for YOU – relax, unwind, and get some rest.  Do not fill up those few hours with getting chores done, running errands, or something else.
2. Hair/makeup/nails.  I get up way too early for work every day.  My morning routine usually consists of rolling out of bed, brushing my teeth, getting dressed, putting mascara on, throwing my hair in a pony tail, and running out the door.  Sound familiar?  Take a few minutes to do your hair or put some makeup on, even if it’s just to run to the grocery store or pick the kids up.  Need some ideas? Check out my Pinterest board.  You can also try Ipsy if you’re looking for some new products to try.
3. Bubble bath.  Run yourself a nice warm bath.  Add in some bubbles, essential oils, or look at some other ideas on Pinterest to find a mix of things to help you heal sore muscles or detox or whatever you’re in need of.  Put on your favorite playlist from Pandora or Amazon Music and enjoy.  Can’t just sit still and do nothing?  I can relate.  Read a good book or start a Pinterest board to plan your kiddo’s birthday party.
4. Reading.  You don’t need a bubble bath to read.  I’ll bet your kids are required to read (or at least do homework) every night.  Lead by example and make time for yourself to read too.  Take a trip to the library or get a new ebook to read.
5. Yoga and Meditation.  Getting moving can be so refreshing.  Yoga can help you get your body moving and meditation will help you get your mind moving in a more focused way.  Running around chasing kids and keeping track of that to do list in your head can be exhausting.  Need somewhere to help get started?  Check out my friend Autumn at A Whole Story.  She’s so amazing and is a great place for beginners or more advanced folks.
6. Music.  Waiting in the car rider line to pick up the kids from school?  Listen to your favorite music.  Set up play lists on Amazon Music or Pandora for different moods.  One to get you out of a funky mood, one to get you moving, and one to remind you you’re powerful and can take on the world.
7. Massage.  Yes having someone else give you a massage is super relaxing.  If that’s not in the cards right now, look for some ways you can massage your own sore muscles to help you get a little bit of relief.
8. Exercise.  This looks different for everyone.  After a long, crazy day at work, it’s so calming and refreshing to be able to go for a walk or run before the kids get home from school.  For some people they need or want something more intense like cross fit or kick boxing.  Maybe yoga or cardio is more your thing.  That’s totally ok.  And it’s totally ok to switch it up too.  There are tons of apps you can download too so you can work out without leaving your house.
9. Journaling.  Writing can be so therapeutic.  Putting a pen to paper and just writing.  It always amazes me how much it can help just getting it out.  Your journals are just for you so don’t worry about anyone else seeing what you’re writing.  If you’re comfortable and want to share, that’s great too but don’t feel pressured to share.  It’s more of a mind dump for you.
10. Time with friends.  Being around people who can make you laugh can be so refreshing.  Everyone has “stuff” and having a safe place to vent with people who understand can be so helpful.  It doesn’t have to be deep conversation – maybe you’re comfortable sharing that your grocery store doesn’t carry your favorite brand of coffee any more or how soccer practices are sucking the life out of you.  Invite some friends over for snacks and drinks.  You can chat, have a game or movie night, or even support another mom by hosting a party for her to share her products.
11. Planning.  With all those ideas running through your head, it can be exhausting.  Make some time to sit down and plan out the week ahead.  Grab a calendar and write down appointments, assignments, and practices.  You can even plan out your meals.
12. Cooking and baking.  If this is enjoyable to you, it’s totally self care!  Worried your family won’t be able to eat everything you’re making?  Surprise a friend with dinner or dessert.  Take some goodies to work and put them in the break room for your co-workers.  Donate them to a family in need.  Freeze them to enjoy later.
13. Volunteering.  Do you love dogs but can’t have one?  Find a local organization that you can volunteer with to get your puppy fix.  Or help to feed homeless people in your area.  Or rock babies at the hospital.  Or read to kids at a local school. There are so many opportunities for you to be involved.
14. Find a hobby or project.  Always wanted to make your kids a baby book?  Learn how to sew?  Start a garden?  Now’s as good a time as any.  Just jump in and get started.  You can research online or read the books to help you.  Don’t stop there – jump in and give it a try.  And remember – no one starts off perfect.  It takes time and practice to get good.  Don’t give up on yourself too soon.
15. Lists.  Writing things down can be super helpful.  Make your grocery list so you don’t have to try to remember everything you need.  Start a bucket list of things you want to do this year or before a milestone birthday.  Make a list of places you’d like to travel and explore.  Write down things you’re grateful for each day.
16. Binge.  Take a few hours and catch up on your favorite tv show (or find a new one to love).  Watch a movie you’ve been meaning to see but never had time.  Grab your favorite snacks or drinks, a comfy blanket, and the remote.
17. Get outside.  A little Vitamin D and fresh air will do you good.  Walk on the beach.  Hang out at the pool.  Take a walk through the snow.  Build a camp fire and star gaze.  Want a little more activity?  Call some girlfriends and get the kids together at a local park.  They can play while y’all catch up.  Or get your friends to play a friendly game of kickball.  Let the kids cheer y’all on.
18. Unplug.  You spend hours a day starting at a screen.  On your computer at work, watching tv once the kids go to bed, or scrolling through your phone to keep in touch with your friends.  We need all those things in our lives but it’s ok to take some time off too.  Take a day (or a few hours) off from technology in a way that works for you.
19. Affirmations.  Sometimes we need to rewire our brains.  Life’s not always fair and sometimes our thinking gets a little messed up.  Try some daily affirmations to help your brain start thinking in a new way to help you be a better you.
20. Eat.  So much focus gets put on what we eat.  You shouldn’t eat what you enjoy because it’s not healthy.  Listen – I’m all for being healthy and taking care of your body.  I also strongly believe that everything in moderation isn’t terrible.  If salads are your thing, enjoy them!  Really craving a steak?  That’s ok too!
21. Supplements.  We don’t always get everything we need from food.  Take a look at your diet, talk with your doctor, and look into vitamins, supplements, essential oils, or other options to make sure your body’s working the best it can.  Taking care of yourself and your body is so important.
22. Organize.  Does your space stress you out?  Take a few minutes to clean it out, get it organized, or find another option that might work better for you.  Getting rid of the clutter can help so much.
23. Keep in touch.  Not everything has to happen on the internet these days.  Take a few minutes to hand write a card to a friend to keep in touch.  Not sure what to write?  How about a thank you to a friend who helped you get through a tough time?  Or maybe an old teacher who touched you?  Or another mom who you think is doing a kick butt job?  Or someone who’s working with your kids?
24. Brain games.  Grab some activity books and get to work.  If word searches or cross words or puzzles aren’t your thing, try an adult coloring book or sketch pad to get your creative juices going.
25. Clothes.  Grab your favorite pair of sweatpants and your t-shirt to wear around the house.  You don’t have to be fancy and put together all the time.  Comfy in your pjs?  Then have a pj day!

What do you do to take care of yourself?